a town in the Bavarian circle of the Palatinate, and capital of a cognominal district, stands on the Lauter, 34 miles W.N.W. of Spire. It was fortified as early as the middle of the twelfth century by the Emperor Friedrich Barbarossa, who also built the strong castle which was destroyed by the French in the war of the succession. Three engagements took place here in 1793-94, between the French and Germans, in which the latter gained some advantages. The town has manufactures of linen and woollen goods, leather, and paper; but is chiefly dependant upon its iron-works, which are supplied from mines in the vicinity. Pop. about 7000.